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Different Types of Prescription Drugs

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PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Prescription Drugs and Youth
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Many people assume that prescription drugs are safer or less harmful to the body, but there is a wide range of negative effects if they are misused. 
​Prescription drugs are medications that are obtained by seeing a physician.
​There are numerous different types of prescription medications.

Pain Relievers

  • Medications that relieve headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, or other aches and pains.
  • Many options are over-the-counter, meaning they can be bought without a prescription. If these do not help the pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. 
  • Includes the Opioid class of drugs, such as Hydrocodone (aka Vicodin), Oxycodone (aka OxyContin), Morphine, Fentanyl and Codeine.
  • They mimic the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, by attaching to the receptors in the brain and therefore, blocking the perception of pain.
  • They can produce drowsiness, nausea, constipation and slow breathing, potentially to dangerously low levels.
  • When these drugs are misused, they are highly addictive. They can also cause an accidental overdose.
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Tranquilizers and Sedatives

  • They depress, or slow down, the Central Nervous System (CNS), therefore slowing normal brain function, producing a drowsy or calming effect.
  • Aka Barbiturates or Benzodiazepines
  • Includes Xanax, Valium, and Librium.
  • Prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks and sleep disorders.
  • Many young people hear that they can cause euphoria, and become curious.

Stimulants

  • Sometimes referred to as "uppers"
  • Includes Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine.
  • Often prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression.
  • Temporarily increases alertness, attention and energy, by enhancing the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine (hormones involved in regulation and emotion) in the brain.
  • Increases blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and opens up pathways of the respiratory system.
  • Increases body temperature
  • Can cause irregular heartbeat or seizures.
  • When these drugs are misused, they can be addictive.
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Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications

Over-the-counter, or OTC, medications can be bought in store, without a doctor’s permission. These include things like: Advil, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Excedrin, etc.
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OTC medicines can also be medicines for things such as coughs, cold/flu, allergies, sore throats, stomach problems, fevers, and rashes/itching. 
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  • Home
  • Events
    • Media
  • Education
    • Be The One, Start the Conversation
    • Marijuana >
      • La Crosse County Marijuana Trends Report
      • Marijuana 101
      • Driving & Riding
      • Health Effects >
        • Addiction
        • Brain Effects
        • Effects on Pregnancy
      • Edibles
      • Dabbing & Concentrates
      • Educational Advocacy Toolkit
      • Be the One Start the Conversation about Marijuana
      • Resources
    • Alcohol >
      • Effects of Alcohol >
        • Teen Alcohol Use
        • Alcohol and Pregnancy
        • Alcohol and the Elderly
      • Alcohol and Cancer
      • Policies
      • Scenarios to Prepare Tweens, Teens and Young Adults for
      • Resources
    • Prescription Drugs >
      • Types
      • Prescription Drugs and Youth
      • Medication Drop Boxes
      • Medication Safety
      • Tips for Role Models
      • Resources
  • Statistics
  • Resources
    • Youth
    • Parents and Educators
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  • Webinars
    • Past Webinars
    • Current Webinars